Pig Health and Welfare Council

The Pig Health and Welfare Council (PHWC) promotes a coordinated and integrated approach to improving pig health and welfare. It is a cross-industry alliance representing every stage of pig production.

The council was formed in 2003 to provide a single forum that would bring together a range of industry and government stakeholders engaged in pig health- or welfare-related activities or policy development.

In 2014, there were changes to the structure of the council. A more streamlined set of key strategic priorities has allowed the council to focus on four key areas, while remaining nimble and agile enough to adapt to any unforeseen changes that may appear on the horizon.

The council structure reflects the four areas in the form of four subgroups, covering welfare, pig meat food safety, disease surveillance and antimicrobials, each reporting to the main council.

The PHWC meets every six months and a summary of the issues discussed at each meeting can be found below.

The council's key areas of focus are surveillance and disease risk assessment, promotion of welfare, as well as prudent antimicrobial usage through improved disease management.

This can only be achieved by a close working relationship with pig keepers, the veterinary profession, government and allied industries.

PHWC recognises that its ongoing enterprises must be openly discussed with all interested parties in the pig sector and that results are communicated at all levels, from the farmer to government and Chief Veterinary Officer when necessary.

The main responsibility for the PHWC is to enhance the health and welfare of pigs in England.